Two species of Gorgonians, one with whitish polyps extended; the others,
Red Sea Fans. Isla San Pedro
Nolasco, Sea of Cortez, Sonora, Mexico -
Depth 30 feet or 9 meters

* The most conspicuous of the Gorgonians in
the above habitat have extended white polyps to feed. Actually,
although appearing white, they are
actually centered in gold. These are probably (Muricea californica,)
or California Golden Gorgonians,
named by their appearance and their distribution off the coast of California. A similar Gorgonian
(1), (2) is
common in the Galápagos Islands (Muricea sp.
?). We Like the common name 'Robust Gorgonian' given by
Alex Kerstitch. In the Sea of Cortez, The Robust Gorgonian off the shores
of California generally has a golden color; but
around San Pedro Island it is often purple, as is seen in the image
(3). There it appears as a background to to a gray Stone Scorpionfish. The nearby Red
Gorgonian in the above image may be (Lophogorgia
chilensis,) as may be that one in the lower left corner. This latter could
also be a Red Sea Fan(Gorgonia adamsi ?).